Handgun familiarity course slated

-Whether you already own a gun or are thinking about getting one, take some time to learn about safety in an upcoming handgun familiarity course, sponsored by the Hideout Sportsman's Association.

By Kelly Waterskwaters@wayneindependent.com

-Whether you already own a gun or are thinking about getting one, take some time to learn about safety in an upcoming handgun familiarity course, sponsored by the Hideout Sportsman's Association.

This introduction to handgun skills and safety course will take place on Saturday, July 13 starting at 9 a.m. This free course will include two hours in the classroom as well as some time at the range for a live-fire segment.

“Anyone who wants to learn from the course can take it, but you must have a license to participate in the live-fire segment,” said Harry Gold, chief instructor for the course. “The emphasis of the course is safety.”

Topics that will be covered include:

• Basic handgun handling (grip, stance, sights usage)

• Trigger press

• Revolver and semi-automatic attributes

• Holster selection

• Proper loading/unloading techniques

• Storage options

• Ammunition choices

Gold said they hope to do the course “three times a year” and that “over 80 people” took the course between the last three that were done. He said he hopes this one is “at least as popular.”

“The classes are getting bigger,” he said. “The word seems to be getting out that the course is worth their time. We've had a lot of good feedback.”

Gold added he hopes they can pick up some members for the club as well and said that has happened before.

“Pennsylvania is nice with licenses, but doesn't require getting familiarity,” Gold stated. “We want to help law-abiding citizens to be able to take part.”

While the course is intended to be an introduction, it isn't intended to be a complete course in the legal concealed carrying and usage of handguns.

The Hideout Sportsman's Association is also an NRA club, but the course isn't an NRA course.

“This course is to help those who want and/or need to learn how to handle a gun,” Gold said. “They may not know enough and this is something that can benefit all of us. There's a lot of misconceptions about using guns.”

Gold said that people who participate in the course can bring their gun and ammunition. He added that if someone doesn't have a gun yet, the club will supply them with ammunition and a gun “as long as they have a license.”

“It's to help people be able to use a firearm,” he said.

Gold said that participants are asked to arrive earlier than 9 a.m. to register. You will also be asked to show your license. A release will then be signed.

For further information or questions contact Harry Gold at (570) 224-4471.